Kevin Bronson on May 14th, 2012

1

The first single off Torches’ debut album “Heads Full of Rust” sounds like a mantra as much as anything: “I Want Something.” It’s clear from the first propulsive beat that the L.A. trio of guitarist Azad Cheikosman, bassist Bridgette Moody and drummer Eric Fabbro aren’t settling for the hazy psychedelia of the two EPs they released when they went by the name Torches in Trees. The album, made with local producers David Newton and Raymond Richards, ratchets up the energy much in the same way Delta Spirit did on its recent third album – prickly guitar licks shoot through the atmospheric stew, rhythms pound and Cheikosman and Moody keen for “something with a feeling,” as if that something is dangling at the end of string, only to be pulled away each time they try to grab it. Which might be true in a musical sense too, but at least Torches have extended their reach.

||| Download: “I Want Something”

||| Live: Torches celebrate their album release with a show Sunday, May 20, at the Satellite, supported by Manhattan Murder Myster, Tenlons Fort and Joey Siara (the Henry Clay People).

||| Previously: “Our Daughters.” “Dirt & Tears video.” “Feeling of a Figure” video.